GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

Airbus A310 MRTT vs Il-78 Midas

Airbus A310 MRTT military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇪🇺 Airbus A310 MRTT
Ilyushin Il-78 Midas military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Il-78 Midas
Change comparison vs
Specifications
Airbus A310 MRTT Il-78 Midas
Origin country 🇪🇺 Europe 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Airbus Ilyushin
First flight 1 December 2003 26 June 1983
Year introduced 2004 1984
Number produced 6 units 53 units
Average unit price $108 million --
Wing area 219.0 m² 300.0 m²
Wingspan 43.9 m 50.5 m
Height 15.8 m 14.8 m
Length 47.5 m 46.6 m
Maximum speed 978 km/h 850 km/h
Operational range 8,889 km 7,300 km
Service ceiling 12,497 m 12,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 163,998 kg 210,000 kg
Empty weight 113,999 kg 72,000 kg
Total thrust 2 x 27,306 kgf 4 x 12,020 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The Airbus A310 MRTT and the Il-78 Midas are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Airbus and Ilyushin respectively.

Top speed is 978 km/h for the Airbus A310 MRTT vs 850 km/h for the Il-78 Midas. The Airbus A310 MRTT has an operational range of 8,889 km vs 7,300 km for the Il-78 Midas. The Airbus A310 MRTT operates at altitudes up to 12,497 m compared to 12,000 m for the Il-78 Midas.

The Airbus A310 MRTT has been produced in 6 units vs 53 for the Il-78 Midas. The Il-78 Midas first flew 20 years before the Airbus A310 MRTT (1983 vs 2003).

Related Comparisons
Il-78 Midas vs KC-135 Stratotanker Airbus A310 MRTT vs Cirrus SR-20 Airbus A310 MRTT vs Tecnam P2006T Airbus A310 MRTT vs P-8 Poseidon Airbus A310 MRTT vs EA-18G Growler Airbus A310 MRTT vs Diamond DA62

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Airbus A310 MRTT or Il-78 Midas?
The Airbus A310 MRTT is faster with a maximum speed of 978 km/h compared to the Il-78 Midas's 850 km/h, a difference of 128 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Airbus A310 MRTT or Il-78 Midas?
The Airbus A310 MRTT has a longer range at 8,889 km compared to the Il-78 Midas's 7,300 km.
Which can fly higher, the Airbus A310 MRTT or Il-78 Midas?
The Airbus A310 MRTT has a higher service ceiling at 12,497 meters (41,000 ft) compared to the Il-78 Midas's 12,000 meters (39,370 ft).
Which is heavier, the Airbus A310 MRTT or Il-78 Midas?
The Il-78 Midas has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 210,000 kg compared to the Airbus A310 MRTT's 163,998 kg.
Which is larger, the Airbus A310 MRTT or Il-78 Midas?
The Airbus A310 MRTT is longer at 47.5 meters compared to the Il-78 Midas's 46.6 meters.
Which entered service first, the Airbus A310 MRTT or Il-78 Midas?
The Il-78 Midas entered service first in 1984, 20 years before the Airbus A310 MRTT which entered service in 2004.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Airbus A310 MRTT or Il-78 Midas?
The Il-78 Midas has been produced in greater numbers with 53 units compared to 6 units of the Airbus A310 MRTT.